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| Audrey Hepburn |
"Cycle Chic" is a term first coined by Mikael Colville-Andersen in Copenhagen around 2006/2007, but chic cyclists have existed in some way, shape or form as long as the bicycle.
You can read about it's origins here.
The Cycle Chic blogs around the world (and there are many) aim to capture instances of Cycle Chic in the urban environment. Our goal is to show instances of people choosing "Style over Speed' while also choosing a bike as their mode of transport.
Several of the Wellington Cycle Chic bloggers/photogaphers alse have close links (i.e. founded) Frocks on Bikes, which takes cycle chic to a new level - with events for like-minded people.
Frocks goal is "to see fabulous women gathering with their bikes and their style... with meticulous planning and utter spontaneity! Why? To grow the momentum for more people-friendly cities, and demonstrate that there is a groundswell of great people wanting to move on two wheels. To lure SUV drivers to thinking that bikes are actually a sexier and much more fabulous way to get around."
Copied directly from Copenhagen Cycle Chic - here is there 'manifesto':
[W]e present to you The Copenhagen Cycle Chic Manifesto.
- I choose to cycle chic and, at every opportunity, I will choose Style over Speed.
- I embrace my responsibility to contribute visually to a more aesthetically pleasing urban landscape.
- I am aware that my mere prescence in said urban landscape will inspire others without me being labelled as a 'bicycle activist'.
- I will ride with grace, elegance and dignity.
- I will choose a bicycle that reflects my personality and style.
- I will, however, regard my bicycle as transport and as a mere supplement to my own personal style. Allowing my bike to upstage me is unacceptable.
- I will endeavour to ensure that the total value of my clothes always exceeds that of my bicycle.
- I will accessorize in accordance with the standards of a bicycle culture and acquire, where possible, a chain guard, kickstand, skirt guard, fenders, bell and basket.
- I will respect the traffic laws.
- I will refrain from wearing and owning any form of 'cycle wear'.
